Just Breathe: you’re doing it anyway!

By Jessica Cave

Jess CaveOutreach/Events Coordinator- Transition KW. Jessica is an experienced social service professional, social justice and environmental activist. With a strong passion and love for nature, art, music and travel, her values align with sustainability practices that aim to build a community that protects and preserves the natural environment.

A few big waves came crashing down on me last year. I lost my job, left an unhealthy relationship and moved out on my own for this first time in years. I decided it was time to invest in myself.

For me, an investment means something that requires time and money. Neither of which I have much of these days.

I asked myself what is lacking in life right now, besides a job! For me, it was reconnecting to my breath—as in breathing, not bad breath! How often do we pay attention to how we breathe? Breathing is fundamental to our well-being and has so many benefits that we simply take for granted.

I decided to take this breathing exercise and apply further in my yoga practice. I joined a yoga challenge which was to complete 29 days of yoga in the month of February. The real challenge was to take that practice and apply it to the rest of my day without switching back into auto-pilot mode. What I noticed was that this also became an exercise of self-love and gratitude. Putting myself first was not as easy as I thought. I know I’m not alone in this, for many women, who juggle so many things in life; sacrifice and compromise usually ends up meaning that we neglect our own self-care and feel guilty when we do make the time. Self-care is priceless and should be celebrated not diminished by the guilt and shame.

Time and money for yoga classes or other interests aren’t always in the cards and sometimes it’s hard to even get out of bed in the morning or know what to make for dinner! Find 30 seconds in your day and just take some deep breaths. It can be while you’re in the car waiting at a stoplight, standing at the bus stop, taking a walk or a shower. Being present in the moment and taking some deep breaths is the most valuable gift you can give yourself and it’s free!

This was my personal journey of investing in myself and hopefully it will speak to other women on some kind of level.